Fred Schwartz’s ‘Green Design’ wins library competition

The town of Milford PA is to get a forward-looking, environmentally advanced library designed by New York Architect Frederic Schwartz. Schwartz was unanimously picked to design the 18,000 sq. ft. library by a twelve-person jury panel that included among others architectural writer Alistair Gordon, architectural historian Kenneth Frampton, and New York architect Jonathan Marvel. Schwartz’s design is a two-storey box with a second level that cantilevers over the first. The library is placed to the rear of the site to blend with nature and take advantage of the views. Inside, the major spaces are organized around a double height sky-lit lobby that doubles as a community space. On the second floor visitors can take in the commanding views of the site and the town. A roof terrace allows outdoor access. The library incorporates many green building components including a high performance low-E glazing, a planted roof, and grasscrete pavers.No construction schedule has been announced.